A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valdivia vs. Mazatlan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valdivia or Mazatlan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Valdivia or Mazatlan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Valdivia or Mazatlan?

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Valdivia and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Valdivia is in South America and Mazatlan is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valdivia Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valdivia or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Valdivia and Mazatlan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Valdivia or Mazatlan?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Valdivia is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Valdivia or Mazatlan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valdivia as well as Mazatlan. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

In the summer, Valdivia is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valdivia in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valdivia this time of the year. In the summer, Valdivia often gets more sunshine than Mazatlanin July. Valdivia gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. Valdivia usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlanin July. Valdivia gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

Both Mazatlan and Valdivia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene.

In April, Valdivia is generally much colder than Mazatlanin October. Daily temperatures in Valdivia average around 11°C (52°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Valdivia gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. In April, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin October. Valdivia gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valdivia or Mazatlan in the Winter?

Both Mazatlan and Valdivia during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Valdivia is much colder than Mazatlan in the winter. The daily temperature in Valdivia averages around 7°C (45°F) in July, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Valdivia often gets less sunshine than Mazatlanin January. Valdivia gets 66 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. Valdivia usually gets more rain in July than Mazatlanin January. Valdivia gets 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valdivia or Mazatlan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valdivia and Mazatlan. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Valdivia is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valdivia in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. Valdivia usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during spring. Valdivia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Valdivia usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin April. Valdivia gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Valdivia